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BY THE RIVER LJUBLJANICA AND IT'S BRIDGES


An ancient river and a charming city on it's bank...has the same effect to eyes as is the effect of free flowing music to ears. The area around this river is believed to be continuously inhabited since 1200 BC. Many locations in and around this river are treasured archaeological sites and treasure hunters have continuously searched for ancient relics and artifacts ranging from the stone age till late renaissance. Probably generations of bygone eras have considered the river sacred and treasures would have been offered to this river during functions of celebrations and mourning.  This river, by the name Ljubljanica indeed holds lot of respect within the locals of Slovenia...especially those of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Such is the importance of the river in Slovenian culture that the river has been declared a site of cultural importance.The Ljubljana meets river Sava after passing through Ljubljana and together they flow into the Danube in Belgrade.


A walk by the river takes through some of the iconic places of Ljubljana. The twelfth century Ljubljana castle which sits on the Caste Hill is visible from almost everywhere on the river side. The Robba Fountain (also known as the Fountain of the Three Carnolian rivers) depicts the God of three rivers - Ljubljana, Sava and Krka. While the original is stored safely in the National Gallery of Ljubljana, a copy stands on the town square, near the Town Hall. The beautiful St. Nicholas' Cathedral, also known as the Ljubljana cathedral with its green domes and beautiful door is also located nearby. Like most European cities, Ljubljana too has taken great care in decorating the bridges on it's river and the architects of the city, primarily Joze Plecnik, have given some real refreshing looks. Within visible distance from each other, these bridges lend a very delicate touch to the city and it's culture.

The most important of these bridges is the Dragon's bridge. Designed by Jurij Zaninovic, this bridge is almost symbolic with the city of Ljubljana. Built during the early twentieth century, when Ljubljana was part of the Austrian Hungary Empire, the bridge is decorated with Dragon statues on its four corners. According to legends, the ancient Greek mythological character Jason was the founder of Ljubljana and he killed the dragons. According to the fun loving locals, when a virgin crosses this bridge, the dragons love to wag their tails

Just ahead, is the Butcher's Bridge or love padlocks decorated bridge.  This Bridge is decorated with the characters from the Greek and Christian mythology and houses thousands of love padlocks from around the world. Some of the sculptors on this Bridge includes those of Adam and Eve, Satyr and Promotheus. Though planned by Joze Plecnik, as early as the 1930s, the construction of this bridge could not be commenced due to World War II. It was not until the 1990s when this bridge was finally completed.

Again, designed by Joze Plecnik, the Triple Bridge is a beautiful array of three bridges. The central square of Ljubljana, very close to the Triple Bridge, is called Preseren square. Adorned with the red colored 17th century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and the statue of the Slovenian national poet France Preseren, the Preseren Square is the most visited landmark of the city.


The Cobbler's bridge which is also at a visible distance is the oldest major bridge crossing the Ljubljanica. It is believed to be atleast seven hundred years old. Legends say that shoemakers replaced the Butchers who were the earlier occupant of the Bridge marketplace. Joze Plecnik, later gave a new look to this bridge, rebuilding it with Corinthian and Ionic Pillars.

By road, Ljubljana is about a couple of hours from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and shouldn't be missed if you have plans to visit Croatia. Our trip to Ljubljana was during the winters and it had snowed heavily the night before and the snow effect was visible everywhere...


This post is for alphabet ‘L' of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2020 challenge:

 L for Ljubljanica










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